Chapter 14 - The Cavalry Arrives
A heavy police tactical drone descended through a newly torn hole in the corrugated roof, its powerful searchlights blinding Evelyn and Marcus instantly. The sharp rattle of multiple assault rifles being unholstered echoed from the shadows near the loading bays.
“Federal agents! Drop your weapons and put your hands where we can see them!” a voice boomed through a megaphone, shaking the warehouse walls.
Marcus froze, lifting his hands off Julian’s chest as two tactical officers rushed forward from the shadows, pinning him face-down to the concrete floor and clicking steel handcuffs onto his wrists.
Evelyn staggered backward, her face turning pale as she looked around frantically for an escape route, but every exit was blocked by armed federal agents. She dropped the detonator onto the floor, where it rolled harmlessly into a puddle of rainwater.
Julian scrambled to his feet, ignoring the blinding pain in his ribs and broken fingers, and sprinted past the officers toward the center of the room. He dropped to his knees beside Lily, using a pocket knife an agent handed him to slice through the heavy ropes binding her wrists and ankles.
“Daddy!” Lily sobbed, throwing her small arms around his neck, burying her face in his ruined tuxedo jacket.
Julian held her tightly, tears finally spilling over his eyelashes as he kissed her blonde hair over and over again, whispering that she was safe now.
Arthur walked over slowly, watching as Evelyn was forced into handcuffs by the federal agents. She didn't struggle; her cold, confident smirk had finally vanished, replaced by a blank, defeated stare as she was led away into the freezing rain outside.
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Julian stood up, holding Lily securely in his arms, and looked at his brother across the echoing warehouse floor.
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